* From De Anza College: [http://www.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/iepguide/index.html Rescue Techniques with lots of photos] - [http://faculty.deanza.edu/donahuemary/Howtoremoveavictimfromthepool How to remove a victim from the pool] - [http://faculty.deanza.edu/donahuemary/Howtorescueasubmergedvictim How to rescue a submerged victim] - [http://faculty.deanza.edu/donahuemary/stories/storyReader$3285 How to get an A in lifeguard training]

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* From eHow: [http://www.ehow.com/how_4493736_help-drowning-victim.html How to Help a Drowning Victim] - [http://www.ehow.com/how_4749604_rescue-drowning-victim-icy-water.html How to Rescue a Drowning Victim From Icy Water] -

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[http://www.ehow.com/how_4749534_rescue-conscious-drowning-victim.html How to Rescue a Conscious Drowning Victim] - [http://www.ehow.com/how_4749566_rescue-unconscious-drowning-victim.html How to Rescue an Unconscious Drowning Victim] -

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[http://www.ehow.com/how_4398936_swim-unconscious-person.html How to Swim with an Unconscious Person] - [http://www.ehow.com/how_2128389_use-tired-swimmer-carry.html How to Use a Tired Swimmer Carry]

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* From WebMD: [http://firstaid.webmd.com/drowning-treatment Lifesaving Rescues and First Aid for near drowning]

==Fear of the water==

==Fear of the water==

Revision as of 11:10, May 12, 2009

Before a BSA group may engage in swimming activities of any kind, a minimum of one adult leader must complete Safe Swim Defense training, have a commitment card (No. 34243) with them, and agree to use the eight defenses in this plan.

Treading Water

Personal Flotation Device

Properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) must be worn by all persons engaged in activity on the open water (rowing, canoeing, sailing, boardsailing, motorboating, waterskiing, rafting, tubing, and kayaking).

Only U.S. Coast Guard-approved equipment (types I, II, or III) is acceptable for use in Scouting aquatics. Ski belts are not acceptable. Scouts and unit leaders should learn which type is appropriate for each specific circumstance and how to wear and check for proper fit.

Diving

Snorkling

“

The Snorkeling BSA requirements introduce Scout-age children and adult leaders to the special skills, equipment, and safety precautions associated with snorkeling; encourage the development of aquatics skills that promote fitness and recreation; and provide a foundation for those who later will participate in more advanced underwater activity.

Snorkeling Safety is the recommended procedure for conducting BSA swimming activities using masks, fins, and snorkels. Since snorkeling is a swimming activity, Safe Swim Defense guidelines are applicable. Snorkeling Safety clarifies and extends Safe Swim Defense concepts to situations encountered during training and open water snorkeling.

SCUBA

Any person possessing, displaying, or using scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) in connection with any Scouting-related activity must either be currently certified by, or enrolled in a training course authorized by the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), or Scuba Schools International (SSI). These agencies are recognized by the Boy Scouts of America for scuba training and instruction. Alternatively, if PADI, NAUI, or SSI training and instruction is not available, certification may be accepted from other agencies that comply with Recreational Scuba Training Council (RSTC) guidelines, provided that such acceptance has been expressly approved by the BSA local council in consultation with the BSA national Health and Safety Service.

Fear of the water

Many youth and adults have at least some fear of the water but true Hydrophobia is a mental disorder.

Websters Dictionary states that Hydrophobia is "the mortal fear of water" literally being scared to death of water. Hydrophobia is not a fear of swimming but of all water. Hydrophobia is a mental disorder, specifically a Specific Phobia Anxiety Disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association classifies a Specific Phobia as 300.29.

Disclaimers

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional advice or training.

Please note that the only Swimming, Lifesaving, First Aid, and CPR materials recommended by the Boy Scouts of America are those found or listed in official BSA materials such as the current Swimming or Lifesaving Merit Badge Books and Boy Scout Handbook. Swimming, Lifesaving, First Aid, and CPR guidelines are constantly being revised. Neither MeritBadge.Org, nor its contributors make any recommendations.